32. Armitage III (1995)
A really solid OVA that pulls a lot from Blade Runner but still comes off as unique enough to be its own thing. Really wound up liking the main characters and, as per the norm for Konaka, the plot goes crazy places. Definitely check it out.
31. Smiling Friends Season 3 (For Real This Time) (2025-2026)
Exactly what I said here, plus possibly two of the most batshit insane episodes of the series.
What a fun show, man. I can't wait to see what the team makes next.
bsky.app/profile/goka...
30. Gokudo (1999)
Watched this with a friend who really liked it and I can see why, following a protagonist with almost no redeemable qualities INTENTIONALLY was really fun. The fourth arc dragging on for almost half of the show is a pretty big mark against it, though.
29. Serial Experiments Lain (1998)
This was a super engaging watch with an insanely tense atmosphere and I was surprised by how invested I was. Even if I didn't get everything, I picked up most of it and I get why so many people love it.
I'll have to watch it again soon.
You know, this movie's failure is what got Colin Trevorrow fired from The Rise of Skywalker and I just gotta say while I completely understand why, I still probably would have preferred that to what we got.
Big thanks to @polarismirage.bsky.social for letting me use whatever this picture is.
28. The Book of Henry (2017)
I realize the image below must look absolutely insane to anyone normal but I gurantee you, this is the actual plot of this movie.
I'm just as confused as you are.
27. Mobile Suit Gundam (1979-1980, rewatch)
Wanted to show this to an IRL friend who had only seen the movies only to wind up getting incredibly invested in spite of the long gaps between sessions. I genuinely think anyone even remotely interested in anime should watch this.
26. Galactic Whirlwind Sasuraiger (1983-1984)
The J9 Trilogy goes out with a bang with a show that strikes a great balance between the strengths of its predecessors. In spite of some production issues and rough spots, the good far outweighs the bad. Glad we ended on a high note.
25. ZeroRanger (2018)
A friend has been begging me to play this for a while and I'm really glad I did. I haven't played a whole lot of shmups, but this was a really fun time and the feeling of progression was REALLY satisfying. Can't wait to see what System Erasure does next!
24. Kamen Rider Kuuga: Extra Episode ~Trust~ (2001)
This is a 20-page one-shot based on a cut two-parter and while I can definitely see why it's entertaining enough for what it is and it helps that it comes with the original outline. Really glad this is translated now.
23. Spaceballs (1987, rewatch)
That's the Yogurt effect
22. Return of the Jedi (1983)
Watched this for the first time since I was a kid on Sunday. What a good ending to a great film trilogy. I sure am glad they decided to end it here and not make a series of prequels and sequels that ruined all discussion of the franchise forever.
21. The・Ultraman (1975-1980)
This was a short read featuring more cosmic superhero adventures and while it wasn't deep, it WAS really fun. The Jackal arc is of course the best part but the rest is very much worth reading.
Also, Melos is great, wish he showed up more often.
20. The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
This is the first time I've watched this movie since I was a kid and to say it's a huge step up from the first film in every way is a huge understatement. Totally get why THIS is the one everyone talks about. Can't wait to finish the trilogy!
19. Star Wars (1977, rewatch)
Despite my burning hatred towards the nearly half-century long death spiral that is the cultural discourse that spawned from this film, I can't help but watch it and think "Yeah, this was really good." Can't wait to rewatch Empire today.
18. Columbo Season 1 (1968-1972)
These poor bourgeoise murderers got trolled by this detective. What happens next is shocking.
Nah but for real that was really good, definitely see why this took off. I'll definitely have to check out the other seasons at some point.
17. Ultraman Leo (1974-1975)
This is a show that deeply frustrates me because there ARE good ideas here. Unfortunately, Leo starts rough and only gets worse as staff burnout, retools, and an international oil crisis make it the worst Ultraman series of the Showa era bar none.
16. Seven Samurai (1954, rewatch)
This is the nature of war: By protecting others, you save yourself. If you only think of yourself, you'll only destroy yourself.
15. The Brave of Sun Fighbird (1991-1992)
Outside of The Meme, this is one of the less talked about Brave shows, which stinks because this is a really fun time that feels like a natural progression of what Exkaiser set up.
If you like the other Braves, give this one a shot.
14. Initial D Final Stage (2014)
Despite my initial misgivings about Takumi's last opponent, this wound up being quite possibly the best race in the series and had probably the best ending I could ask for. All in all, it was a bumpy ride, but I'm really glad I watched Initial D.
13. Initial D Fifth Stage (2012-2013)
While the stuff between Takumi and Mika was a good return to form for the slice of life stuff and the battle between Ryosuke and Rin added some much-needed stakes, there's unfortunately not much to this season. Thankfully it leads to...
12. Document: Fang of the Sun Dougram (1983)
While a 75-episode anime getting condensed into an 80 minute movie sounds horrible, choosing to re-edit it like a wartime documentary means that it flows shockingly well. Not a substitute for the show at all, but a neat refresher.
11. Iron Lung (2026)
Yeah that was really good. In spite of being 2 hours of one actor in a cramped space, it was well-paced and super engaging. Some of the audio was hard to hear, so I'll definitely rewatch it once it gets subtitles so I can understand the voices of the damned.
10. Asura's Wrath (2012)
There is always some fool who wants to rule the world! Always forcing others to do what they cannot do for themselves! That's why I pray to no one! Nor will I be prayed to! But above all else...
I will never forgive you...
FOR MAKING MY DAUGHTER CRY!
9. Initial D Extra Stage 2 (2008)
Forgot to add this. While it didn't quite end the way I wanted, this still provided a much better resolution to quite possibly the biggest relationship fumble in anime history, and for that, I can't help but respect it.
8. Project A-ko (1986, rewatch)
The OTHER part of the double feature I watched. For something that is essentially an 80-minute long shitpost, it's got beautiful production values and I'm really glad Discotek's remaster of it exists. Watching it with my friends was a blast.
7. Dragon's Heaven (1988, rewatch)
Forgot to add this but I watched this last week as part of a double feature. Beautiful OVA with instantly likable characters, and Shaian and Ikuru's friendship is adorable. My only complaint is that I wish there was more.
6. Mega Man 2 (1988, replay)
While this is far from the best Mega Man game, it's still a good time with solid level design and good Robot Masters. Shame about the Wily Castle bosses though.
The soundtrack is actually that good though, but you don't need me to tell you that.
5. Ultraman Taro (1973-1974)
Living on your own will be tough. But I won't let you struggle through that by yourself. I'll live as one human being, too.
You hang in there.